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Patricia ‘Pat’ Wickens Switzer

Patricia “Pat” Wickens Switzer, age 96, of Richey passed away on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016 at the Sweetwater Retirement Community in Billings with her family at her side.

Pat was born in Denton on March 17, 1920, the daughter of Martin and Alice (Kilgannon) Wickens. She grew up and attended schools in Denton and graduated from Denton High School in 1937. She attended college at Great Falls where she received her teaching certificate. During World War II, she went to California where she worked for airplane manufacturing for a brief time, returning to Montana where she taught school in Winifred and later worked in social services in Havre. She met Dean Switzer while he was ranching in the Missouri breaks north of Winifred. They were married on Sept. 5, 1949 at Denton and moved to the ranch that Dean and his brother had purchased northeast of Circle. She remained on the ranch until October 2013 when she chose to move to Billings, where she remained until the time of her death.

Pat was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where she was very active, and later a member of St. Pius Parish in Billings. She was a member of the Republican Women and was a 4-H Leader. She was a long time member of Round Town Cowbelles and Duck Creek Homemakers. She enjoyed coming to town and meeting “the girls” for coffee and helping out at the McCone Nursing Home fixing hair for the ladies. She loved quilting, gardening and most of all spending time with her family. Blessed with a sharp wit and a brilliant mind, she enjoyed discussing politics and current events right up to the end. Our sainted Irish mother was proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed sharing her St Patrick’s Day birthday with grandson Tate. Watching her grandchildren grow and lead successful lives was one of her great pleasures.

Pat is survived by her son Larry (Charlene) Switzer of Richey, Mont.; a daughter Deanna (Ed) Brost of Brockway, Mont.; son-in-law Steve Solberg of Billings, Mont.; a brother Francis Wickens of Denton; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean, an infant son Martin Wayne Switzer and a daughter Eileen Solberg.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. A vigil service will follow at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.